Many viewers know Max Thieriot from his work on Bates Motel, but countless fans still remember him fondly as Clay Spenser on the CBS military drama SEAL Team. His character’s romance with Stella Baxter (played by Alona Tal) became a fan-favorite storyline before Clay’s heartbreaking death in season 6.
Now, in a twist fans didn’t see coming, Max and Alona are joining forces once again. On November 17, TV Line revealed that Alona Tal will appear in Fire Country season 4 for a multi-episode arc. The news broke after a photo surfaced on Instagram announcing her involvement. Her first episode is scheduled to air Friday, December 12, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
“Max Thieriot is reuniting with his #SEALTeam wife Alona Tal on #FireCountry,” the Instagram caption teased. “Will their on-screen chemistry burn bright in Edgewater?”
Viewers immediately went wild over the reunion, imagining what this connection could mean for their characters in the Fire Country world.
“CLAY AND STELLAAAA,” one excited fan wrote. “Yay! I loved their relationship! I want to see them together again,” another chimed in. Someone else added, “If her character is anything like she was on SEAL Team, she’s going to push Bode!! 🔥❤️” referencing the duo’s intense, sometimes complicated dynamic in their previous show.
CBS also shared details about how Alona’s character will be introduced. In the December 12 episode, titled “Fresh Start,” Bode takes part in a drunk-driving simulation at a local high school. There, he unexpectedly reunites with Chloe—his former peer tutor and longtime crush—portrayed by Alona Tal. Chloe is now dealing with a troubled teenage son whose behavior reminds Bode of his own younger years. Could this reunion spark something that never had the chance to grow, or will Chloe simply be another figure who passes through Bode’s life?
Whatever happens, fans are thrilled to see Max and Alona back together on screen—and we’re just as eager to watch their story unfold in Edgewater.
